Minnetonka resident wins third straight DNR stamp contest (2005-01-25)
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David Chapman of Minnetonka is the winner of the 2006 wild turkey habitat
stamp contest sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
(DNR). This is the third consecutive stamp contest Chapman's artwork has
been recognized by contest judges. He also won the 2005 pheasant and
waterfowl stamp contests. His design was chosen from among 26 entries.
"I am honestly stunned," Chapman said, "It hasn't sunk in yet; I haven't
really grasped what I've done. I probably won't until the stamp is made
available for purchase and I start selling prints. But I will say, this is
getting to be a nice habit."
An artist whose work is selected for a Minnesota fish or wildlife stamp
receives no compensation from the DNR, but does retain reproduction and
marketing rights.
Other finalists in this year's Turkey Stamp contest are John House,
Evansville, second place; Micah Hanson of Dakota, third; and Karlstad
resident Nick Reitzel placed fourth.
Chapman is one of only a few artists to win more than one DNR stamp contest
in the same year. In addition to his most recent contest wins, his artwork
was also featured on the 1992 pheasant stamp and the 2002 wild turkey stamp.
Chapman has never won or entered the DNR's trout and salmon stamp contest,
but he said he plans on submitting a painting for consideration.
"I have only painted one fish in my life, which was a walleye 10 years ago,"
Chapman recalled. "I've gone this far, I'd like to see if I can make it four
in a row to complete the grand slam." Judging for the trout and salmon stamp
usually takes place in August.
The 2006 Turkey Stamp contest judges were: Bob Welsh, north metro assistant
area wildlife manager; Tara Gustafson, Women in the Outdoors; Rob Keck, Dave
Neu and Bill Torhorst, National Wild Turkey Federation.
The Minnesota Legislature authorized the creation of the Wild Turkey Stamp
in 1996 at the request of turkey hunters. Stamp sales generate revenue for
wild turkey management and research. Anyone 18 and older must possess the $5
stamp or electronic stamp validation to hunt turkeys. Revenues from stamp
sales are dedicated to wild turkey population management, and the
development, restoration, maintenance and preservation of wild turkey
habitat in Minnesota.
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